A seven-year-old boy urgently needing cancer treatment who went missing with his mother has been found safe.

Police launched a nationwide hunt for Neon Roberts when he disappeared from Tiverton in Devon with his mother, Sally Roberts, on Monday.

Officers said it was understood Ms Roberts is opposed to further treatment for her son, who recently had surgery for a brain tumour.

On Thursday morning Devon and Cornwall police confirmed the boy, who is subject to a family court order, had been found by police in Sussex.

A statement on the force's website said: "The high-risk missing person, seven-year-old Neon Roberts, has been located safe and well by police officers in Sussex. Emergency protection care has been put in place and Neon's welfare will be considered in the high court.

"Devon and Cornwall police would like to thank the public, the media and police colleagues in Sussex for their assistance in securing Neon's safe recovery."

When police launched the appeal, Assistant Chief Constable Chris Boarland said: "Neon is seriously ill and we have huge concern for his welfare.

"He is currently subject to a family court order and I would ask his mother to think about her son's welfare and contact police and medical services as soon as possible. Neon needs urgent medical attention and his wellbeing along with his mother is our prime concern."